    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book III)]
    [October 29, 2004]
    [Pages 2834-2835]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Signing the Ronald W. Reagan National Defense Authorization
    Act for Fiscal Year 2005
    October 29, 2004

        Protecting the American people is my most solemn responsibility, and
    a superior U.S. military is essential to that effort and to fighting and
    winning the global war on

    [[Page 2835]]

    terrorism. The Defense Authorization Act of 2005 will continue to
    strengthen our security and ensure that our troops are the best paid,
    best trained, and best equipped fighting force in the world.
        We have increased military pay by over 20 percent since I came into
    office, and this legislation includes the fourth consecutive pay raise
    for our service men and women. It funds more protective equipment like
    body armor and reinforced Humvees to keep our troops as safe as
    possible.
        This bill also continues the transformation of our military and
    funds the technology and advanced weapons systems we need. And it keeps
    our commitment to our troops, military retirees, reservists, and their
    families by ensuring they get the health, housing, and other benefits
    that they deserve. This bill will help us continue to strengthen our
    All-Volunteer Military.

    Note: H.R. 4200, approved October 28, was assigned Public Law No. 108-
    375.